SYDNEY — A teen who stabbed his girlfriend to death two years ago reacted angrily upon hearing he would receive an adult sentence of life imprisonment.

Melvin Skeete Jr., 18, of Whitney Pier, is escorted from the Sydney courthouse after being sentenced as an adult for murdering his girlfriend Brittany Green. Steve Wadden - Cape Breton Post

In imposing the sentence Monday, Judge Anne Derrick also lifted bans on publishing the name of Melvin Skeete Jr., 18, who was earlier convicted of second-degree murder, and the victim, Brittany Green.

Green, who was 17, had been stabbed 104 times.

“Keep smiling, bud,” Skeete said to a member of Green’s family as Derrick indicated she was sentencing him as an adult.

“I am not finished my decision,” Derrick said.

“Still be smiling,” Skeete said as family members urged him to be quiet.

“F--- these people, man,” Skeete said, standing, and Derrick asked him to sit.

F--- the judge, f--- the police, f--- all of you, straight up.”

Skeete was 16 at the time of the offence, which occurred inside a Whitney Pier home on Dec. 3, 2010.

Derrick had to determine whether Skeete would be sentenced as an adult and receive a life sentence with parole eligibility after serving seven years — his parole eligibility began at the date of his incarceration, just over two years ago — or a youth sentence of four years in custody and three years under community supervision.

She noted Skeete had taken some positive steps while detained at the Waterville youth facility, including undergoing substance abuse and anger management programs, and pursuing his high school education.

“However, despite Melvin’s steps in the right direction, his willingness to engage in addressing his deeply rooted issues, I am unable to find in the evidence a basis for being satisfied that he can be held to account under a youth sentence,” Derrick said.

It took Derrick more than two hours to read her 55-page decision.

The court had heard that Skeete had significant anti-social behaviour and mental health issues dating back to early childhood and began abusing drugs as early as age 12. He was under the influence of drugs and alcohol when he stabbed Green to death.

Derrick ruled that a youth sentence wouldn’t allow enough time to rehabilitate Skeete.

Under a youth sentence, in four years he would be released into the community under conditions that failed to manage his behaviour in the past.

His premature release into the community would heighten the potential for Skeete relapsing into behaviour and choices that would put the public at risk, she said.

“To be satisfied that a youth sentence will have sufficient length to hold Melvin to account, I would have to have confidence that his rehabilitation can be achieved in the time available — seven years,” Derrick said.

In her decision, she said she harbours no naive assumptions about the effectiveness of programs that will be available to Skeete at a federal penitentiary.

Derrick said there is something wrong when mental health professionals identify what a young person needs to optimize their rehabilitation — in Skeete’s case it was determined he needs individualized therapy — and the only sentencing option available after determining a youth sentence is unsuitable is one that relies on a one-size-fits-all rehabilitation model.

Derrick urged Skeete to not give up on himself and to continue to be dedicated to his goals, regardless of the challenges facing him.

“I can only hope that he will stay resolutely focused on positive goals, seize any and all opportunities in the federal prison system to address his issues and rehabilitate himself,” she said.

Derrick said she believed Skeete had expressed genuine remorse, accepted responsibility for the crime and expressed commitment to change.

“From the beginning of this case, the Crown was of the view that given the severe nature of this matter that, one, this was a second-degree murder, and two, that the accused’s actions deserved an adult sentence of life imprisonment,” chief Crown attorney Dan MacRury said following sentencing, calling it a horrific crime.

“He will be held accountable for the rest of his life and under the control of the state for the rest of his life. That’s an important aspect that we felt had to happen in this case,” he said.

Crown attorney Steve Drake noted it’s rare for a young person to receive a life sentence.

Green’s grandmother Theresa Brewster said she was nervous as Derrick read the lengthy decision.

“She did the right thing. ... He took so much away from us. He took Brittany,” she said, her voice breaking into a sob.

“She was such a good person. It’s not right, and to mutilate her body like that, no.”

Green’s best friend Tiffany Steele said she was ecstatic that Skeete received an adult sentence.

“I’m sure everyone else is very happy that he gets what he deserves,” she said.

“He had so many chances and he blows it every time. He always goes back to the old him and I think he’s always going to.”

As he has been convicted of murder, at least the first two years of Skeete’s sentence are to be served in maximum security in Renous, N.B.

The court heard that he is considered a high risk to reoffend.

Derrick also imposed a lifetime weapons ban and Skeete will also have to provide a sample for the national DNA database.

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Enraged

January 19, 2013 - 02:35

First thing you people need to know. Just because he got Life-7, does not mean he will get out in 7. He has the possibility of getting it. He has to meet certain requirements in order to get parole. Someone with his attitude has to survive 2 years in renous. Will not happen. He will be adjusted fairly quickly. The only way he will survive with his virginity intact is to take the physical route. The second you are in an altercation, you can have your review pushed back. You get too many and you are moved to a SHU(Special handling Unit). If you get into the SHU for violence, while in for a violent offense, you are doing your 2/3rds. You try going 94 months in a prison without getting into one fight. Not going to happen.Be happy he's off the streets. No one except for family and friends will care if he is in or out next year . So stop pretending to care.

The thrust of some of these messages seems to be that " justice " would be served if Melvin was beaten up while serving time. But I would ask...if say a killer and a rapist gained up on him and beat him up...am I supposed to regard these 2 as the " good guys "? I think not. Also I would question why prison officials could not have better control of the situation.

People are getting heated because of the sheer brutality of the crime and apparent lack of remorse and respect this young man displays. However, I'm not saying it's right or that it helps the situation. That doesn't matter because most of the comments aren't even of the variety you've written of. You seem fairly determined to defend him, though.

gabriel

January 15, 2013 - 20:14

Elizabeth...I respect your position in this tragic matter...I really do. However I would ask...are you maintaining that a misguided youth of 16 in his formative years cannot become a worthwhile contributing member of society by the time he is...say 21? That question is now addressed to you.

It is possible but that wasn't the point I was making in my original comment.

pier dude

January 16, 2013 - 12:51

Gabriel, if you think this is a case of simply a 'misguided youth' then you have not followed this young mans life.
At 12 he was misguided. At 13, 14...maybe even 15....misguided.
But when he gets drunk and high and takes the life of his sexual partner at 16....he is a cold blooded murderer who should be taken off our streets and locked up with the same rehabilitation abilities of any murderer in the system.
Well done, Judge. We don't need these animals in our neighbourhood.

caper

January 16, 2013 - 13:44

sure they can in many cases! maybe if you stole a car...maybe if you drank too much, maybe if you were doing drugs....NOT when you exhibit the behavior this guy has and murdered by stabbing over 100 times!!! not 2x not 10x, over 100!!! tell you what gabriel, if he is ever released, i want YOU to take him in, allow him to live in your house with your family, hell even date someone in your family. he is ok right??? you would be ok with that right?? the guy needs to be gone! not everyone can become a contributing member of society, and this guy simply doesnt belong among the rest of us, PERIOD...but if he ever is again - i expect you to be first in line to take him!!!

j macleod

January 15, 2013 - 15:21

not to worry....this punk with his attitude wont last that long in the big house....its coming ....somebodys gonna educate him in the school of hard knocks.....mouthing off to the family after all they have been through....I hope everyday for the rest of your life is a living hell.......

ha ha ha he .if he talks like this to one bad guy in prison .we wont see him no more .but i bet he going to be some guy grilfriend .the only way this monster going to survived so he will have protection in ther .for what he done just in court the contemp .at the judge .police and most of all the victim family he should have been giving another seven years alone .what an insulte to them all.. to have this crap of meat ,have an outburst at them he is an adult now .we should never see or here about him again

you will get more time in jail for cheating on your taxes,as far as young offenders thier names and pictures should be made public and let them start bearing the shame for what they have done and then maybe they will turn themselves around and the parents will be more vigellant in raiseing thier children with better values

He didn't get 7 yrs!! C'mon, read the story! He got "Life with no parole eligibility for 7 yrs". Personally, I think he should be locked up for Life!! No parole! Hopefully that little outburst he displayed in court yesterday will be entered into his file. Maybe, just maybe, the parole board will see right through his little charade and realize this "person" has no place in society! Judging from his actions yesterday, I highly suspect his attitude alone will keep him behind the wall for many, many years to come!

I found the sentence to be somewhat harsh. Since he was a youth at the time of the incident it logically follows that he should have been sentenced as a youth. Hopefully he will be given the opportunity to take courses while serving time so that in 5 years he will return as a contributing member of society.

You are very naive. You can see how he treated the victim, her family, and the entire court, right? I would think that considering his actions and the fact that he is considered to be a very high risk to reoffend your heart wouldn't be with Melvin Skeete Jr's well being.

Thank You

January 15, 2013 - 08:23

I just would like to thank police for all their hard work,they don't get that enough,so thanks CBRP.

He'll only be "eligible" for parole in seven years. It doesn't mean he'll get it, especially if he remains uncontrollable, with no sign of self-control as seen by his outburst in court!
He should have been charged with first-degree murder. Being high on drugs was no excuse for that despicable act.

All of you seem pretty certain that this kid is going to walk out of jail 5 years from now. Don't be so sure. Anyone who cannot restrain themselves from swearing at the judge is unlikely to be a model prisoner. So his parole will likely be denied . And even if he IS a model prisoner, the parole board is unlikely to grant him parole right away based on the seriousness of his crime.

So
A person goes to prison, gets fed well, gets proper food and exercise. Gets an education and is rehabilitated to re enter society.
Meanwhile the law abiding citizens, some not all, actually most I would imagine can't afford to eat properly, can't afford to go to a gym and a university degree. Forget that,
So while the good struggle to get ahead in life the bad get to do it a lot easier
I think the prison system needs to be revalualated don't you

Wow you see What he is a monster He has no respect we miss you everyday brittany your Life was part Of our lives Please protect The World from Sick people who want to so call be social workers Like he showed in court evil evil evil The Time Has come to serve Your Time

I see bunch of people saying to bring the death penalty back... while i do believe in an eye for an eye you all have to agree that there are some people who are actually innocent in those jails.. would you want your innocent friend or family member killed because of a random bunch of strangers thought they committed a crime?? I know i would like to see my friend back. Unless there was a 100% fool proof way to prove that every bad person did the crime then im all for it however that is not the case...

I agree with you when it come to the death penalty,I do not think Melvin Skeete should die FOR KILLING MY NIECE.Yet...I do believe that he is a danger to your, mother,Your sister or even your child,to be,one day.Hey ...even a danger to you.He said,I KILLED MY GIRLFRIEND.That is not innocent.It is the TRUTH And it took a team of educated professionals to decide his new fate.I am not trying argue with you but please think before you speak.HE SPEND THE LAST MOMENTS OF HER LIFE WITH HER.Instead of loving her,he felt her BLOOD ON HIS SKIN,104 times.THE WORLD NEEDS TO BE SAFE FROM MELVIN SKEETE.Love,Brittany s,Aunt,Tammy Green.

caperguy

January 15, 2013 - 01:02

I would like to thank the judge Anne Derrick in this case for seeing how sick and dangerous the person is and chief Crown attorney Dan MacRury for getting the maximum sentence for this animal .I I have always believed in second changes when someone makes a mistake ,but I realized that some people will never change his action speaks volumes! The said part of this is victim dose not get second chance. He should be classified just like Paul Bernardo a dangerous offender,Life should till his death. If people look back at how many murders their are since 1970 compared to now ,no one is safe because their no conquest of one action. I have seen many trouble youth in past and 98 % of them went too school and got an educated and turn their life around .These people are
now productive citizen in society. I do believe in death penalty but part of our society dos not but just look at the numbers of murders in the past compared to now ! people your children are not safe from these dangerous people .We need to put pressure on our MP's and support for tougher laws we do have support for troubled youth and adults in place now !

I usually distance myself from the "hang 'em high" crowd in criminal sentencing. However, 7 years for this crime is shameful. If this young man had robbed his local credit union he'd be in prison for a lot longer. Disturbing case and court outcome.

QUITE DISAPPOINTING AFTER READING ALL OF THESE COMMENTS. Not one mention to the police for doing their part in putting him behind bars. Congrats to the CBRPS for making our communities a safer place to live and thank you to the courts for redeeming themselves and sentencing him as an adult. To the family my deepest condolences and I hope this is the start of a long healing process.

Im pretty close to all involved in this case and I have to say the police didnt have to do any work...He was caught red handed..and by that I mean he was caught imediatley after the inncident ..within minutes cuz his grandparemts were home when it occurred...so what work did the police do?...attend a call?..Im sorry none of this has nething to do with the police doing thier job..they didnt have to figure out who done it!

Sydney Guy

January 14, 2013 - 17:17

Disgusting, however I have news for ALL of you who are putting your noses up at our justice system.. It's not the fault of the "law makers", it is in fact, the fault of US.. ALL OF US. The problem began when all the right-wing christians, tree-huggers and pro-lifer/human-rights activists decided that criminals like this guy (probably because one of their own family members wound up in prison and suddenly the sentences seemed to be too harsh), didn't deserve to be treated so harshly. Why the hell should these scum-of-the-earth murderers deserve a degree, better meals than most of us, and any parole at all, aside from the obvious fact that I'm undecided on the bitter-sweet issue of having to fork over more tax dollars to build more prisons to house them. I say if they can't bring back the death penalty (and they never should have abolished it to begin with), they should consider returning to the old ways with the whole "bread & water" meals. Then, they should consider gutting the current prisons by removing all the "cells", turning the prisons into large warehouse-like buildings with few walls, thus making enough room to stack these scumbags in metal crates like kenneled dogs, maybe 4 or 5 crates high, and surely this way, they can house them for the full 25 years that a life sentence was meant to be, with room to spare for the new and up-coming criminals who, after learning of Corrections Canada's new way of doing things, still choose not to stop and think first, and decide to commit a crime anyway. LOTS OF ROOM that way fellas!!!... Parole?.. HAHA, who ever came up with that idea!!... They sure do it right in some of those middle-east countries. If you're caught stealing, they cut your hand off. No question those one-handed thieves are instantly rehabilitated. Murder?... If ya kill someone over there, they'll kill ya right back. Justice served. But again, the leniency in the justice system?... Blame society and no one else. After all, who created the government system that were deemed smart enough to implement this joke of a system, or appoint the law makers that make the rules.. the laws that are passed by way of public vote... It's all our own fault, like it or not... This case with this skeete kid... JOKE..... R.I.P. Britt!

He left the courtroom in a rage, this from the same guy that stated during his trial he was going to turn his life around go to school and become a Social Worker.
I suppose telling them what they want to hear just doesn't cut it tough guy.

This article fails to mention that Skeete jumped up in the courtroom and started laughing and swearing at the victim's family during his sentencing. A class act all the way. Enjoy what awaits you in prison.

I don't know the Green family personally but my heart goes out to them. I do hope they feel they received justice. I do know many members of the Skeete family and my heart breaks for each and every one of them. They didn't deserve this and I do hope the community gathers round them and embraces them in their hours of sorrow. They, along with the Greens, have been living a nightmare for two years. There is not one family among us who can claim to be immune from the evil drugs and alcohol can bring. I hope somewhere along the way they can find peace of mind and move on from this tragic event. Hugs to each and every one of you.

This is just sick. A poor girl stabbed 104 times and this guy can get out a enjoy his life at the age of 25 Canada is the worst country for taking it easy on these loosers. Thanks for nothing Canadian justice system.

@ Cape
"just a little info for all those who dont know what theyre talking about .. theyre not giving him the 2 years he already did".
The story states: "His parole eligibility began at the date of his incarceration just over two years ago.
That sure sounds to me like he's being credited those 2 years he was locked up prior and during trial and sentencing .
So who is it that doesn't know what they're talking about

they should come up with a karma sentence what goes around comes around....i think thats fair! and the attitude on this kid screaming and cursing sayin u can break me!....C'MON lets put him in a bad prison and see how long he lasts there....this kid has some serious issues!

Why in this country is a life sentence not for the rest of the sentenced person's life? A life sentence should be just that, LIFE! Why use the term sentenced to life if it's going to be 25 years why not just say a sentence of 25 years.
Anybody sentenced to life should spend the rest of their days incarcerated with out chance to be released

Firstly; the victim and family received justice. Of course we all would like to see this man never see the light of day ever again; the system in place now cannot be decided by a Judge. The Judge has to follow the law as it is now; we society need to get the laws changed. On face value alone; the thought of someone being convicted of murder being eligible for parole in less then 10 years of being sentenced make me sick to my stomach. One would think that the most important thing in our society is human life however the law does not always agree. I am so sorry for the family to have lived through an ordeal such as they have and then to hear this murderer could be out in 7 or so years.

Skeete swore at the judge, police and victim’s family at the conclusion of the two-hour long proceeding. Wow I,m impressed at how sorry he is ,,attacking the victims family and the system but then again ,he is only 18. I can't understand this 1st degree and 2nd degree stuff.What's the difference between 1st degree dead and 2nd degree dead. His sentence was too lenient and I,m sure everyone feels shortchanged with the system AGAIN.

My math says that he'll be sitting in front of a parole board in less than 5 years. By then, he'll probably have a university degree, be in fabulous shape, and convince a panel of liberal-minded bean counters that he didn't know what he was doing, that he was only a kid and now he knows better. Stab a teenager over 100 times, get sentenced to five (more) years in jail under the guise of a "life" sentence and be walking out with a degree on the same day that your classmates graduate from university saddled with $50,000 worth of student debt.
Life should mean life or the full 25 years - calendar years; starting on the day of sentencing with no time credit for time served.

Life Imprisonment Parole Eligibility
For those who are sentenced to life imprisonment, most are eligible for full parole after serving only seven years in prison, however there are a few exceptions namely for: murderers, matters involving national defence, matters involving war crimes, and those who have been designated as "dangerous offenders".
If sentenced to "life imprisonment" in Canada, an offender will live the remainder of their life under conditions imposed by the criminal justice system, but they most likely will not spend the rest of their life in prison. In fact, many will only have to spend a mere 7 years behind bars. Their freedoms and mobility, however, will be limited for the rest of their life. They may be banned from living in certain places or areas, or from communicating with specific people. If they violate these terms their parole can be retracted forcing them to go back to prison.
The conditions of parole will depend on the facts of the case.
2nd Degree Murder
Those who are convicted of 2nd degree murder will be eligible for parole after serving a minimum of 10 years in prison. Judges have the discretion, however, to increase this to an amount not exceeding 25 years. Sentences of parole ineligibility of more than 20 years are extremely rare for 2nd degree murder convictions. In fact, ranges of 10 - 14 years are quite common in Canada.
Parole for Murderers
Convicted murderers are usually granted parole in Canada. If they behave reasonably well in prison, admit responsibility for their crime, demonstrate a willingness to rehabilitate themselves (through education and programs), and have a clear plan to successfully integrate back into society upon their release, they are almost guaranteed to be granted parole.
Personally, I don't think this guy is capable of getting his act together, behaving himself, admitting responsibility or rehabilitation. Not in 5 years, not ever. I think he'll be locked up for as long as they can keep him.

You can take it to the bank some arrogant physiologist will declare he has "fixed" this poor misunderstood youth and he will be unleashed once again onto society as soon as the seven years are up. Since he has already been in custody for two during the trial that means he will be out in five. Thank God Harper put an end to the two for one travesty of remand time counting double or this monster would have been out in three. Our justice system is a farce. This guy should never see the light of day again but I can sadly assure you he will.

Cb guy

January 14, 2013 - 13:32

People grow up, she can't bend the law. Just because he is eligible for parole in 7 years doesn't by any means mean he will get it. Enjoy the fact justice was delivered and he wasn't given a youth sentence instead of playing into the typical cape Breton stereotype that we complain and are never happy with anything. Look at the glass as half full. I'm sure with his attitude and his charge he will get his fair share of punishment in jail

And this is an adult sentence? Opportunity for parole (which will undoubtedly be granted) in four years? There it is in black and white, folks - the reason our justice system is an absolute joke. By the time this kid is 25 he'll be back on the street and moving on with his life, cheerfully "not remembering" stabbing that girl more than 100 times. Sickening.

It is horrible that our justice system let these kind of scum bags walk with a slap on their wrists.. Might as well put a head line to all youth that killing is allowed in CB. SICK! Bet he'll come out bigger and badder than he went in!!

GREAT JOB JUDGE ANNE DERRICK..ABOUT TIME THIS FAMILY GOT SOME JUSTICE AND NOW THEY CAN HAVE SOME PEACE INSTED OF THIS BEING BROUGHT UP AGAIN AND AGAIN TO THEM..THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE JUDGE'S LIKE YOU OUT THERE...UNTILL WE MEET AGAIN RIP BRITTANY LOOK OVER YOUR FAMILY THEY MISS YOU MORE THAN WORDS CAN EXPLAIN.. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN MY FRIEND NEVER U WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED

I hope that this family can now take time to deal and heal. Take Care and best wishes.

Mind blowing

January 14, 2013 - 13:12

I can not believe he is eligible for parole in 5 years. He is obvously more than a few bricks short of a load. According to CTV: He exploded as he was led out of the courtroom, saying “f--k the judge, f--k the police, f--k the system."
He should be locked up and the key thrown away...He is dangerous.

WTG Judge Derrick,in the 5 more years he has left he can learn some more tricks for when he gets out!!! Hope he moves into your neighborhood cause we dont want him!. Imagine 7 years,thats a slap on the wrist.Life should be life!!!!

His parole eligibility began two years ago...so after five years he is eligible...Life in prison...he's what, 18? So he could potentially be out when he's 25......I say potentially....still...what kind of life sentence is this? This makes me laugh. There are harsher punishments for crimes that do not involve violence around here. Does this make anyone else question our justice system or am I just being nitpicky?

Way to go Judge Derrick, hopefully judges in upcoming cases will follow your lead. Although I beleive he deserves more time than that, at least you didn't set him free with a clean record after taking a life.